This workshop will provide training in the management of California grassland and brushland ecosystems on ranches, and for conservation projects that employ grazing to achieve conservation objectives.

Over the 11 days, students will learn common methods of evaluating (1) plant community characteristics (forage/biomass production, species composition, frequency), (2) wildlife habitat conditions (structure and density), and (3) features that may impact water quality (chiefly sediment yield from streambank and road conditions and livestock access points, and degree and extent of vegetative cover for soil protection, filtration, and stream shading). That learning will include doing significant field work to gain experience in evaluating these parameters in different habitats on the ranch. The final class project will be a written and detailed management plan for vegetation, wildlife habitat, or water quality protection.

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AWQA Calendar Updates

Bimonthly calendar of agriculture related events on the Central Coast are sent out via email. To join the mailing list and receive event notifications, send me an email request to pam.krone-davis@noaa.gov with the heading Add Me To Receive the AWQA Events Calendar.

Biodiversity in National Organic Progam (NOP)

Biodiversity conservation is fundamental to organic farming and required by the NOP. Farmers, ranchers, wild crop harvesters, and handlers must maintain or improve their soil, water, wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/NOP%205020%20Biodiversity%20Guidance%20Rev01%20%28Final%29.pdf

Upcoming Events

Recent research has identified populations of powdery mildew that are resistant to FRAC 11 fungicides (strobilurins), FRAC 3 (DMIs), or both. A collaboration of researchers and extentionists are working to develop novel diagnostic tools and[...]

Organic growers rely on the many services biodiversity provides, but knowing where to find accessible information can be challenging. This webinar will provide an overview of three tools to help you identify and manage wildlife,[...]

In this course you will learn the key grazing planning principles and practices for improving land health and productivity. You will learn the steps to this simple approach to grazing planning so that you can[...]

Version 3 of EPA’s Watershed Management Optimization Support Tool (WMOST) will be released in early 2018 (https://www.epa.gov/exposure-assessment-models/wmost). WMOST is designed to facilitate integrated water management among communities, utilities, watershed organizations, consultants, and others. WMOST identifies[...]